Darlington manager Martin Gray said that the friendly game at Gateshead’s International Stadium on Friday night was a “worthwhile exercise.”

Quakers lost the game 2-0, and in the process MG gave every available member of his first team squad an outing, including Terry Galbraith and Chris Hunter who have both been recovered from knocks. The only ones unavailable are Arran Wearmouth, Phil Turnbull and Leon Scott.

“I thought it was a good exercise over the 90 minutes,” said MG.

“We didn’t start the game as well as we did against Sunderland on Tuesday night, but once we got into the game, I thought we had a very good spell when we had two or three good chances, and I was disappointed that we weren’t in front before Gateshead scored.

“I thought our two centre halves were very strong, and didn’t give much away. Tom Portas had an ever-so-good 90 minutes, and it was great to see Terry Galbraith and Chris Hunter out on the field.

“It was important to give some players minutes, and also for the others to improve their fitness levels.”

Quakers conceded goals just before and just after half time, but in the twenty minutes before Gateshead scored, Quakers played some very good football and missed some good chances.